Korean Dictionary
How to say "Cheontang" in Korean
“Cheontang” in Korean is 천탕 (pronounced "cheontang").
천탕
cheontang
Usage & Context
Cheontang refers to a clear, light Korean broth soup made with carefully selected ingredients. It represents the delicate, refined aspect of Korean culinary tradition.
Example Sentence
맑은 천탕은 재료의 맛이 그대로 살아있다.
In clear cheontang, the natural flavor of the ingredients comes through.
How to use 천탕 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Cheontang” is 천탕, romanized as cheontang.
Usage tip
Use this word with ordering phrases, taste descriptions, and polite requests when speaking in a restaurant.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 천탕.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 천 (cheon), sounds like 'chun' in 'chunk' but with a softer 'ch' sound. The second syllable, 탕 (tang), rhymes with 'tong' in 'tongue' but with a slightly more open 'a' sound, similar to 'ah' in 'father'. The stress is fairly even, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable.
More Example Sentences
Describing a restaurant's signature dish to a friend.
이 식당의 천탕은 정말 깔끔하고 깊은 맛이 나요.
This restaurant's cheontang has a truly clean and deep flavor.
Recommending comfort food for someone feeling under the weather.
몸이 안 좋을 때 따뜻한 천탕 한 그릇이면 기운이 나죠.
When you're not feeling well, a warm bowl of cheontang can really boost your energy.
Discussing historical culinary practices and the significance of the dish.
궁중 요리에서 천탕은 귀한 손님을 대접할 때 주로 사용되었어요.
In royal court cuisine, cheontang was mainly used to entertain important guests.
Cultural Context
Cheontang is a lesser-known term compared to more common Korean soups like *guk* or *jjigae*. It specifically refers to a clear, refined broth, often associated with traditional or royal court cuisine, emphasizing the purity and natural flavors of its ingredients. Unlike hearty, spicy stews, cheontang is about subtlety and elegance, reflecting a different facet of Korean culinary philosophy that values delicate tastes and health benefits. It's not something you'd typically find in an everyday Korean restaurant but rather in specialized traditional eateries or fine dining.
Editorial note
We test food and dining words like 천탕 inside ordering situations, because the natural Korean phrase often includes a polite request ending.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
천탕 한 그릇
a bowl of cheontang
맑은 천탕
clear cheontang
천탕 맛집
a restaurant famous for cheontang
Related Expressions
맑은 국
malgeun guk
clear soup (general term)
곰탕
gomtang
rich beef bone soup (similar clear broth, but much richer)
미역국
miyeokguk
seaweed soup (another type of clear, healthy soup)
궁중 요리
gungjung yori
royal court cuisine (context where cheontang often appears)
More Korean Food & Dining Words
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